The Rape of Doctor Willis (1991) Reviews

• An excellent performance from the Queen of TV Movies....

  speedo682004-02-22

  This movie is one of my faves. Although, there was a mixed reviews when the movie was shown years ago, I believe that this is one of Smith best tv movies to date. Bugger me, if I'm wrong, but I think, this a wonderfully acted and well executed drama/thriller. Although, the ending, I must say, is like your typical soap opera, as a whole, this one is nail biter. Jaclyn Smith, inspite of other's negative re-action, is indeed delivers one of her best performances. The rape scene was done in good taste without over-reacting and the interogation scene in the police department is an excellent piece for Smith. It's a pity because Smith is so beautiful on screen and that's why some people cannot take the fact that she's a credible actress, too.

• I was quite impressed with this...

  James McB2001-09-03

  I am a fan of Jaclyn Smith and have commented on one of her other films already on IMDb. This was actually only the third film of hers I've seen as well. It's a film with a very serious message, and I was quite impressed with it. Very good. Another wonderful performance from Jaclyn, playing a Doctor this time. The co-stars are quite good as well. The title tells you what the film is about, the ordeal. But it has a very happy ending, very positive.

• Interesting drama

  jamiecostelo582005-01-12

  Although this movie was not that well received upon its original airing, I feel that is unjustified. Granted, it never shakes off its TV "soap opera" feel, but Jaclyn Smith (who is always a joy to watch), portrays Dr. Willis in a very believable manner; her life will change forever. The actual moment of the rape is executed well, and is rather startling to watch. Granted, the actual perpetrator turning up on her operating table seems a little clichéd, but we can actually believe Willis' emotions: will she save his life or not? I imagine the majority of viewers may have decided upon the second option. We are then thrust upon a battle of wits, with our heroine doctor's career on the line and the so-called 'victim's' family and friends wanting justice. And this is the more interesting part of the film - who deserves the justice? The answer is made perfectly clear later on. The viewer can't help but support the Dr. Willis character, with Jaclyn able to bring a sense of realism and emotion to the part with admirable style; she is a competent enough performer. Admittedly, this movie is not the last word in excellence, but it does have a certain "something" about it that can keep the viewer absorbed enough to stick with the plot and see what happens.

• Interesting scenario if unlikely

  phd_travel2019-03-06

  This is a fascinating but unlikely scenario. A doctor is raped. Later the police shoot the perp and he comes into the hospital. The doctor is the only one to operate on him. He dies and she has to defend herself. Jaclyn Smith acts alright but not too well. Holland Taylor is good as the doctor who seems hard on her but comes through for her at the end. It's fantasy but interesting.

• Good movie, good acting, and a positive message from 1991

  joe5533112018-12-13

  Smith and others acted well and it was a strong performance overall. I watched the movie then and enjoyed it and I watched it again today and It brought back memories. The one thing that I may have missed then but could not get over it today is how come the whole powerful people along with the justice system we're trying to convict her when the man who died got shot because he was evading the detectives and he fired bullets at police officers. This important detail appeared to have been forgotten. Otherwise a good Telefilm.